LEXINGTON, Ky. — A housing stability program helping tenants stay in their homes will seek increased funding during budget discussions, as current funds are expected to run out in the coming months.

The Lexington Urban County Council's Social Services and Public Safety Committee will hear an update Tuesday on the program's work and funding needs. Mayor Linda Gorton has proposed spending $400,000 in the coming fiscal year to continue the initiative, though it has been funded at higher levels previously.

The program, administered through Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, provides targeted assistance—typically under $2,000 per household—to prevent eviction, utility shutoffs and homelessness. The cost is comparable to or less than one month of emergency shelter.

Since its inception in 2023 with federal pandemic relief funding, the program has served 150 to 300 households annually and maintains a success rate of 70 to 90 percent in housing stabilization, according to presentation materials. About 7,225 individuals have benefited from the initiative.

Services include eviction prevention and diversion, assistance and representation in eviction court, and mediation for Lexington Housing Authority tenants facing eviction. The program is available to Fayette County households facing eviction or threatened eviction.

After federal Emergency Rental Assistance grants expired, the program transitioned to the city's General Fund in 2024 with $500,000 in funding. In December 2025, Council earmarked an additional $150,000 to support operations through August 2026.

Gorton has described the coming budget as "challenging," but the program may become part of spending discussions between Council and the mayor's administration. The committee meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chamber at Lexington's Government Center, 200 East Main Street. The meeting will be broadcast live on LexTV.